How to Connect Your Nintendo DS to Your Television

The Nintendo DS is a great portable gaming device with a huge library of fun games only available on that platform. One feature that is missing from the Nintendo DS, DS Lite, DSi and DSi XL is the ability to output the video to your television. A possible reason is that it has two screens, but more likely, it is a cost saving measure from Nintendo, or perhaps it was left out intentionally to sell more home consoles.

Luckily, there are some clever people that have found ways to connect the hand held Nintendo DS to their televisions. Take a look at the various methods people use to connect their Nintendo DS to their Television.

Using your XBOX 360 or Playstation 3, or PC Webcam.Do you also have an Xbox 360 or Playstation 3? You can use your home console to display your Nintendo DS on the television, using the Eye Toy, or the XBOX Live Vision Camera. Position your camera so it is looking directly at your Nintendo DS screen(s), and turn on both your DS and your gaming console, and the rest is easy. Have a look at this instructional video for a demonstration of it in action:

The camera is mounted in such a way that the controls are still useable! This method can also be applied to a home computer webcam.

Camcorder w/Controller modIf you do not have a gaming console with the appropriate adapters, but you have a camcorder, why not give it a try this a shot. Basically, you position your DS and camcorder in such a way that the entire DS screen(s) are what is being filmed. Next, plug your camcorder into your television, and turn on your TV. Take a look at a video below to see how it works.

As you can see, a Super Nintendo controller was hard-wired into the Nintendo DS so that the DS can remain in position while filming it.

EmulationIf you have a computer, you can plug it into your television and download a Nintendo DS emulator to play your games. There are several emulators out there, but the best one at the moment is DeSmumE. You can run the emulator fullscreen, apply graphic filters, and play your video game backups at full speed. As for controlling games, it is fully customizable, you can even use your Nintendo DS as a wireless gaming controller, with touchscreen support. Check out this article to find out how.

Update: The emulator DeSmumE has been ported to the Nintendo Wii. If you have a Wii and the HomeBrew Channel Installed, you can download Desmume Wii.

Unofficial TV Output DeviceAn unofficial televison output device was released, that sits directly on top of your Nintendo DS. Once connected, you can plug it into your television to display the top screen. These devices are no longer being made, but you can purchase them on eBay from time to time.

Jumbotron DS HackSome clever hardware modders have been able to hard wire the Nintendo DS to 2 tablet PC screens, complete with full resolution clear picture and touchscreen capability!

Hopefully Nintendo will see the desire for this feature and will include a TV-OUT option in future portable devices.